Potential Worth

[mynameismelissa]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

Is it true that the Domestic Relations can base your child support payment on what they feel you have the potential of making? If so, how does this work?

[stealth2]

Sure they can. They'll use past work history and income, updates to qualifications, etc.

ETA - you could google "imputing income" and the state.

[reportermom]

yes they can. If you were making, say 35,000 a year and dropped your income to 20,000 a year, they can hold you responsible at the higher level. Especially if you voluntarily reduced your income. You would have to prove that your earning capacity had changed.

Also remember that when you are in front of a domestic relations officer, they can not order anything. They can simply get you to agree to an amount. Only the judge or a hearing officer can make an order.

[3junebugs]

My case is out of PA also and I haven't worked for over 5 years. I made 28k back in 2003 when I still lived in PA. I moved to MD and then was making 20k. When our case came up for review, and even though I was unemployed, my imputed income was still 28k because I took a lower paying job by choice and because I have an AA, I still have the potential to earn that much.

Just because you don't work or you take a lower paying job doesn't mean the the other parent should have to take on the extra burden of support.